We went for salsa dancing on a Thursday night. The food was delicious and the salsa dance lessons were so much fun. It was a lot of people more than we expected. We had a blast. read more

Went to The Victorian in Santa Monica on New Year's Eve 2026 hoping to celebrate and have a fun night. We paid about $130 to get in and another $120 on drinks. Instead, the night ended with harassment by staff and security. Around 1:30 a.m., a bouncer named Chris Miller aggressively approached my husband and me, yelling at us to leave and telling us to stand outside in the pouring rain to finish our drinks. We were not drunk, disruptive, or breaking any rules. When we didn't immediately comply, he took the drink out of my hand and deliberately splashed it all over my dress, in the rain. Completely degrading, unnecessary, and unprofessional. This wasn't crowd control--it was a power trip. After spending hundreds of dollars, no guest should be treated this way. Our New Year's Eve was ruined, and we left feeling shocked and disrespected. I would strongly caution anyone considering this place, especially on busy nights. read more

Some of their bouncers are extremely aggressive and seem like they want to initiate verbal and physical disputes. I visited yesterday. Sober (as I had just sipped 1/4 of my first drink). There was a backup in a hallway where the whole left side was unoccupied (at that moment it wasn't crowded like it normally is, but rather had entire half side opened up). There was a guy (tall, black, huge, heavyset, with dreads) standing there. He was wider so both sides of hallway were blocked. Looked like he was talking to someone (back turned away). I extremely lightly touched his left shoulder (politely - the way you'd do it a formal function or to a woman) and said "excuse me, do you mind if I get around you". My volume, voice tone, and wording were extremely polite. Also keep in mind, I'm 5'6 and 142 lbs, and he's huge. I didn't realize he was a bouncer. This guy turns around with full aggression, going off about how I can't wait a moment. I replied, keeping the normal and polite tone "woah, I just asked to go around you. I didn't realize you were a bouncer and doing something. I didn't know to not ask that question." He just went off again. No longer paying attention to whatever he was doing before saying "Do you want to go home!? Do you want to go home right now. Wait! Are you going to wait?". Every reply back, I just kept my tone normal and never tried to go around him, and just repeated that my question was a normal one to ask and that I have absolutely no problem with waiting. Every reply though seemed like he wanted to escalate. Like he wanted me to be aggressive back or yell or try to get past him, so that he could go hands on or kick me out. My feet never moved forward from my original position, never tried to slip past, never yelled and or became aggressive. I can only imagine how many other situations he's escalated at the establishment. No one wants to go to a place where patrons are scared of getting yelled at or ripped into. It's unsettling to have that happen to you or a member of your group. It's hard to enjoy your night when you have an adrenaline dump for a much larger guy going off on you, when you haven't done anything inappropriate. Might make sense to have a talk with dreads guy about how to interact with patrons. This isn't bootcamp where you just get to unload your anger at others until they're scared and just nod in compliance. This is a business. Save the aggression for people who are being disruptive or shoving. Simply politely asking to get by someone does not qualify (I can't count the number of times the same night that others either asked to get by more or more commonly just shoved past me.) It's not that hard to act normal. Just normal manners and normal respect for patrons. Edit: Look at the other 1-star reviews (it seems to be a common trend in recent reviews). Thank goodness I was sober or I would have doubted my perception of the events or gaslit myself into thinking I had done something wrong. Manager or owner should keep on eye their staff members. Having worked security before, I've seen this type before. Trouble always follows because they create it. I'm guessing since a lot of clientele is young and drunk, he gets away with it often. One other Yelper was recommending reporting to the state. This seems reasonable if they refuse to self-regulate. read more

Spent Halloween here last night and while I had an okay-ish time, my group did not. They were not letting them use the bathroom whatsoever which made it really difficult to enjoy the night. The drinks are outrageously priced, the music could've been better, and the place could've been decorated better if I'm being really honest. Spend Halloween elsewhere, just not here. read more

It's always crazy busy here at night but good vibes. Miss the three floors though drinks are solid and usually pretty good djs with good classics read more

The Victorian is an iconic Santa Monica restaurant and nightlife hot spot located on Main St just a block away from the beach. Established in 2010, The Victorian has transformed into one of the most renowned nightlife spots on the west side, boasting three full floors of DJ lineups every weekend. Its extensive wine and cocktail menu plus a Mediterranean-influenced classic American menu makes it a favorite spot for weekday happy hours and weekend brunch. I was here for an event with Besa Mi Vino and they had a western themed event. It was fun! I hope to come back on a normal day. read more

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Came here to celebrate St. Patty's night. It was extremely cold and windy outside. We had trouble finding metered street parking so we chose to go into the public parking lot the venue had. The staff charged us $15 (up til 2am) and then told us to choose any empty spot. Cool. The two bouncers checked our bags and let us in. We didn't expect the scene to feel like a frat house, but it did, especially with the hiphop music the DJ on the bottom floor was playing. The place at first looked nice with ambient lighting and a large outdoor patio with several chairs and many outdoor heat lamps. We didn't mind chilling out there and it kept us warm despite the crazy winds out in the street. It was actually quite empty so the staff and bartenders looked at us while we explored the area. I wanted to see the other floors but they blocked it, maybe we were too early or because it St Patty's day was on a weekday, I don't know. Needless to say, I was shocked that staff didn't seem to care when we witnessed an older gentleman standing up from his chair and immediately fall flat on his side, leaving his friend to come up to him to check on him. Thankfully he was alright. But yeah we saw staff look over and one that walked right on by didn't even care to check up. Good that it wasn't a medical emergency but imagine if it was.. the staff here clearly didn't care. I can also imagine how much scarier it'd be if this spot happened to be crowded. Anyways, we ended up leaving early to walk around instead to explore the streets. Luckily the bouncers didn't mind. Many people did the same too and a different joint down the street was filled with people with lines outside the door. Wish the vibes were better. read more

Perfect for a night out, good vibes... seems like no one orders food buts it absolutely amazing. It gets super busy but lines go by super fast. Bartenders are quick and efficient read more

The entire venue looked really cool as it was supposed to replicate a big house party with the multiple levels. It was a good choice to do three levels playing different kinds of music. However, the DJs kept replaying the same songs over and over again and were kinda falling short with the music. The bartenders on the other hand were great and they put lids on your drinks! The seating area outside is super spacious and was a nice contrast from the hectic inside. Some of the people there were interesting. Overall, we all had a fun time dancing here. read more

The Victorian - Exterior - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is probably my favorite place I've been for going out dancing in LA. The thing is, if you don't like the music, you can go to one of the other two floors and hear something else. There's something for everyone who likes to move to music. Because it's literally housed in an old Victorian, there's indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can cool down outside. The cocktail menu officially ends by the time you'd want to actually show up to dance, but the bartenders will still make things if you ask nicely and there's not an insane line. As far as lines go, I didn't have to wait long for a drink ever, and the line to get in moves quickly. The crowd is 20s to early 30s, not too many college kids. Can't wait to come back! read more

The Victorian - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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My friends and I went to the Victorian on 1/18/2026. We had a great night until we found a woman fall down due to the alcohol. We do not know this person who fell, but she could not stand. My friends and I did not know who this woman was but we took the initiative to take care of her because no one else blinked an eye. As we left the Victorian, we tried to understand where she lived and if we could order an uber for her. We also tried to get water from the bar for her but the bartender put an empty cup into our hand. As this was happening, the bouncer working was being disrespectful to us while we were trying to help a woman we did not know who needed help. He told us to take "our friend" to the sidewalk in an aggressive manner. We replied asking if we could get this woman water because she needed it, but the bouncer working told us "it's your fault, it's your friend is f*cked up". This is unacceptable. This woman was visibly drunk and drugged. The staff working stared and laughed at us as we tried to take care of this woman and bring her home. I have gone to the Victorian multiple times and enjoyed my time, but the behavior from the staff today was extremely disrespectful and unacceptable. Please understand that my friends and I took the initiative to help a woman in need, but the bouncers and bartenders couldn't care less that a human was passing out at the entrance of the Victorian. I would appreciate a response of your next steps making sure this disrespect does not happen again. read more

I've come here a fair amount and this place has a vibe for everyone--has party vibes upstairs, hip hop on the main floor, cool basement party vibes downstairs plus if you come here early for food it's really delicious too read more

The Victorian - Hawaiian BBQ brisket sliders - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I came here for a private event and had a wonderful time. This place is charming and spacious. A 15,000 sq ft. two-story house with a speakeasy in the basement and a lovely garden area across the way. It's the perfect location for a party or a wedding. You can have the ceremony in the garden and the reception at the venue. The house was actually the residence of one of the area's founding families and was moved to this location in 1973. This fascinating Victorian home was renovated and turned into a restaurant/event space. During the day it's a restaurant and in the evening it transforms into a lounge/nightclub with DJs on the weekends. It was a lovely summer day, perfect for our outdoor gathering. We played games in the garden and mingled on the patio. There were two bars, one inside and one outside. The breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, charcuterie, and canapés were yummy. The cocktails were fantastic, and the staff were friendly and helpful. There are a few negative reviews about coming here at night when it converts to a lounge/nightclub. However, everything was great for this special event. I'd like to come back and enjoy brunch on the patio. Private parking lot in the back. read more

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I love coming here for salsa night but I can't stand that they allow folks to smoke cigarettes outside on the balcony and patio. It bleeds into the dance floor and is so stinky, especially on the bachata floor where it's already minimal space :( they need a dedicated smoking space away from the dancing areas. read more

a great establishment to blackout and dance with your friends!!! appreciate the fact that they put lids on their drinks for a safe party experience! the bouncers are cool read more

The Victorian - basement bar - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Shadowing somebody else's review: You can file a complaint with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) -- and it takes less than 2 minutes. Seriously. You could do it while walking to your Uber, sitting on the toilet, or scrolling through your phone on the way home. It's easier -- and way more powerful -- than a Yelp review. Here's how to do it: 1. Go to abc.ca.gov/contact/file-complaint/ 2. Click "Business Complaint" 3. In the search bar, type: "Victorian The" (yes, they have it reversed) 4. Select the one at 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica 5. Fill out the short form 6. Hit submit -- that's it. Enough reports can lead to inspections, fines, or even license suspension -- and trust me, that hits harder than any bad review. My experience: At approximately 11:45 PM on 11/1/2025, I was in line outside this establishment with my girlfriend and friends, waiting in line. Without provocation, one of the bouncers -- a large Black male by the entrance -- physically and aggressively pushed my girlfriend twice for "standing too close to the entrance" (even though we were in the proper line and many others were standing in the exact same spot), despite the significant physical size mismatch. When I verbally protested by saying "please sir, don't push my girlfriend, I will get her", the same employee said "how about I touch you then", and shoved me with force into the street, creating a dangerous and humiliating situation. I don't know what kind of power trip the bouncers are on, but you CANNOT put your hands on somebody because your ego has been shattered. read more

Bouncers are just very rude. Bought tickets to the Halloween event, and the manager didn't let us in because we had screenshots...including our name, as well as the QR code to scan. They wanted to see it FROM the website like it'd made a difference. The only reason we took screenshots beforehand was due to the fact that the cell service there is horrible and we knew it wouldn't load. They took our money, didn't give us a refund, and told us to buy new tickets at $90 per person to get in. And on top of that, we'd have to wait in the 1 hour line all over again. Terrible bouncers, customer service, and ambiance. The guy in the dodgers uniform was apparently the manager? He also needs to be fired for his lack of customer service. read more

Always had an amazing time here, mixture of all ages and good vibe, they take the drama outside too lol

Great music playing here! I also like the ample seating options inside and outside. The fire pits also ensured it stayed warm outside in the winter. read more

Very cute place! Came here with two of my friends for dinner and wanted to try a new spot we had never been to. When you walk up, you instantly feel and hear the music. We sat outside on the patio which had a cute set up with the string lights and the open outdoor area. For food, we ordered a pizza, the truffle garlic frites, Brussel sprouts and the calamari. Everything came out quick and was pretty tasty. Our waitress was great. She was really attentive and friendly. Towards the later of the night, the place defiantly turns into a lounge with people going inside or outside to dance to the music from the DJ, the mist was primarily house which isn't my vibe but it seemed like a cool place to start or end your night. read more

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If I could give 0 stars, I would. Security guy named Chris Miller, was behaving himself more than inappropriate and hope the management does something about it. First couple times he yelled at me and my friend and later pushed my gf and me out of cover under strong rain in New Years while the music still was on and people were dancing inside. And that after we paid $150 for tickets and he grabbed almost full $60 drink from my gf hand and threw it to the trash with severe aggression while we were already outside under the rain. I hope management team will find that security the right medical facility, because people with such mental disabilities shouldn't be working in service with people, especially as security. read more

Horrible customer service!!! I went for a Saturday night, and the drinks were horrible the bartenders in the underground floor were so rude!! I told them that our drinks were bad and they told us to buy another then Then the security stuff were so rude, one of the black fat security hit me with his elbow, and he didn't say sorry, I told the stuff that I wanted to speak with a manager and they were ignoring me trying to covering the security!! I don't recommend this place at night read more

Came here yesterday night for dancing Thursdays. 1. Cute place with awesome vibe, has yummy food and alcohol all night, several bars located throughout venue. Open air seating outside 2. Non dancers are also present because of the restaurant environment. This adds well to the vibe. 3. Crowded! So lots of options of people to dance with if you find space 4. Bachata upstairs, Salsa downstairs (sometimes they mix in bachata here) 5. Kizoumba room was closed 6. Excellent well kept bathrooms with attendants Been here before also on a Thursday without attending the dancing. Had 2 fancy cocktails & a crudite platter sitting outside in the pretty patio, with the sexy lighting & outdoor furniture. Definitely a nice place to hang out, people watch, enjoy food & drinks. Friendly, helpful staff. read more

I was there for a birthday party. The staff is extremely friendly. The place is fun. Attracts a good group of friendly people. I felt welcomed. It's an old Victorian house. It's solid. Good bones. It has a nice bar. You can play pong or corn ball. Great space for a party. It's twenty dollars to park. That was the only downfall. read more

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Bought a ten dollar Red Bull that showed up as a $70 charge in my bank account. No one's answering my calls. Not sure whose first day it was but I am not coming back. read more

PSA: Don't just leave a review -- file a complaint that actually gets results. If something shady or aggressive happened to you at The Victorian, don't let it slide. You can file a complaint with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) -- and it takes less than 2 minutes. Seriously. You could do it while walking to your Uber, sitting on the toilet, or scrolling through your phone on the way home. It's easier -- and way more powerful -- than a Yelp review. Here's how to do it: 1. Go to abc.ca.gov/contact/file-complaint/ 2. Click "Business Complaint" 3. In the search bar, type: "Victorian The" (yes, they have it reversed) 4. Select the one at 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica 5. Fill out the short form 6. Hit submit -- that's it. Enough reports can lead to inspections, fines, or even license suspension -- and trust me, that hits harder than any bad review. My Experience: I was leaving The Victorian with some friends, carrying a cup of water from the bar, when a bouncer suddenly and aggressively slapped it out of my hand and briefly grabbed me just to do it. Another bouncer behind him ripped a water cup out of my friend's hands and tossed it aside, even after we clearly told them it was water. They responded with, "We don't care," and made it clear we weren't allowed to take anything out -- even though water isn't alcohol, and there's no law preventing someone from leaving with it. What makes this worse is that their bouncers either don't know the law or think they're above it. And based on other Yelp reviews, this seems to be a pattern. Either they're poorly trained, or they're being encouraged to act this way by management. This situation could have easily turned into something worse. I'm lucky it didn't -- but even as it was, it was still completely unacceptable. And I don't want this happening to anyone else. We weren't drunk. We weren't causing problems. We were just calmly leaving. I reported this to management and never received a response. I've also noticed other misconduct at this venue that seems to go unchecked. So instead of just being angry, I did something about it -- and you should too. If you've ever been mistreated here, take 2 minutes and report it through ABC. That's how real change happens. read more

Do yourself a favor and choose another spot to go. You will be very unhappy with the service and ambience here.

Victorian use to be my favorite night bar, but after my last visit, I am absolutely disappointed and disgusted by the Victorian. Last night, many women reported having their phones stolen from their purses at the Victorian. One poor girl was even carried, dragged, and thrown out of the house by a bouncer after politely asking about any reports or returns of a missing phone. How rude!! Not only did the bouncers/security not take action in helping people find their phones, but proceeded to video tape the them standing outside the house with their friends and siblings asking for help (which they didn't). The bouncers did not even bother to provide assistance, updates, or reassurance and took the whole situation as a joke. The unprofessionalism here was clearly shown tonight. If Victorian wants to keep their ratings high and have recurring visitors, they should start first with having well trained, and more respectful bouncers. There is a difference between doing your job and being an asshole. I do hope the people that had their phones stolen end up finding them. Never going back again and do not recommend to others. read more

This place is 3 floors and so beautiful for weekend drinks and dancing! Their drinks are not really cheap but the vibes make up for it. The line to get in is pretty long as it is very popular in the night scene. read more

The Victorian - 2nd floor bar - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Terrible establishment to waste your self and your hard earned money. The bouncers are rude and unprofessional. Adding 4% Sustainability Fee on top of already extremely inflated mediocre food items .... watered down meek cocktails.... Dİ NOT GO! Another despicable Santa Monica establishment. read more

Yeah no.. personally not a fan of the crowd (a lot younger frat/sorority vibe) and I'm pretty sure they've let underaged kids in. Not a fan personally and it gets very crowded and overwhelming. Maybe it's just not the spot for me, as I prefer more chill settings like high dive bars but to each its own. Only times I've enjoyed my time here the few times I've been was when I was very tipsy. read more

I always appreciate when a restaurant goes over and beyond, for the standard Avocado Toast. I attended an event that was hosted by The Victorian. I believe the menu was a bit "tweaked", but most of the items I saw were for the omnivores. Yet, they had a special addition for their avocado toast: vegan feta cheese. I must admit, I blushed. Now, my only request is that next time add more salt and pepper please, and olive oil. Lol but nevertheless, this was really good to eat! read more

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This is the perfect spot if you want to go somewhere lively with friends before a night out or for a fun date night. We sat outside during sunset and tried some items from their new food menu. My favorite items were the Brussels sprouts (fried and covered in bacon + cheese!) and the steak frites which came with a delicious chimichurri. Cocktails are always 10/10 here, music was on point, and service was fabulous. read more

The Victorian - Best Brussels sprouts! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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The venue is very pretty outside under the lights and trees! Lots of seating on the couches...Does turn into more of a college scene at night read more

I'd been here a few times on a Saturday night and it was so overcrowded with college students that it felt like being in frat party. This place is great if you like that party atmosphere rather than being a restaurant. read more

If you are salsa dancer and like to learn don't go to this place, the class is 15.00 for an overcrowded room that you are not will be able to see the instructor moves if you are in the back... For Drinks not good also I order 6 shoots of mezcal overpriced and the mezcal was deluded with water.....that's worse experience for a person like me that like to think mezcal but not deluded with water never again. read more

The Victorian is probably the only spot I've worn suspenders to and also been hit on by an attractive woman, and that alone is worth the 3 stars. But I can't truly recommend it, since they've continually remodeled it and changed the "vibe" many times, even before COVID. I used to love the basement and the attic, both had live rock and blues music. It would get a bit fratty at times, and the basement was dark and damp, but it was definitely one of my favorites before they redid everything. I definitely ended up taking a date to the Birdcage not realizing it was a gay bar, and it looks like it has since closed. No idea if they still do live music, so check it out but I wouldn't put it top of the list. read more

In A Nutshell: -The Victorian is a venue that hosts a wide variety of events. -I happened to stumble into a monthly Farmer's Market for hippies. -There were various vendors selling lotions, creams & other fragrances. -The vibes were really friendly. -The two story house had a lot of cool nooks & crannies to chill. -There were also three bars & a DJ setup. -The courtyard was very nice. Overall, this is a really cool venue to rent out for an event or to attend. read more

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How do you manage to keep your Alcohol license with all the complaints here about stolen phones and harassment by your bouncers? Does management even care about the way people seem to be treated in your establishment. I say it's shameless in this day and age to treat your patrons the way people describe in their many, many reviews. If management doesn't care, does ownership care or is ownership part of the problem? Either way you should fix the problems or someone is going to get hurt the way you seem to physically impact people. Fix it or the state will step in and fix it for you. It looks like your employees are a big part of the problem. Enough said. read more

Not a great atmosphere at all, very scary in fact. Service was horrible. Management is incomptent. Ended up getting a refund and going to the Bungalow to have so much more fun. This place needs a 100% re do. read more